please

American  

[pleez] / pliz /

adverb

1. (used as a polite addition to requests, commands, etc.) if you would be so obliging; kindly.

   Please come here.

   Will you please turn the radio off?

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verb (used with object)

pleased, pleasing

1. to act to the pleasure or satisfaction of.

   to please the public.

2. to be the pleasure or will of.

   May it please your Majesty.

verb (used without object)

pleased, pleasing

1. to like, wish, or feel inclined.

   Go where you please.

   Synonyms:

   wish, want, like, choose

2. to give pleasure or satisfaction; be agreeable.

   manners that please.

idioms

1. if you please,

   1. if it be your pleasure; if you like or prefer.

   2. (used as an exclamation expressing astonishment, indignation, etc.).

      The missing letter was in his pocket, if you please!

please British  

/ ˈpliːzɪdlɪ, pliːz /

verb

1. to give satisfaction, pleasure, or contentment to (a person); make or cause (a person) to be glad

2. to be the will of or have the will (to)

   if it pleases you

   the court pleases

3. if you will or wish, sometimes used in ironic exclamation

4. happy because of

5. to do as one likes

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adverb

1. (sentence modifier) used in making polite requests and in pleading, asking for a favour, etc

   please don't tell the police where I am

2. a polite formula for accepting an offer, invitation, etc

please More Idioms  

1. see as you please.

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Other Word Forms

• half-pleased
  adjective
• outplease
  verb (used with object)
• overplease
  verb
• pleasable
  adjective
• pleased
  adjective
• pleasedly
  adverb
• pleasedness
  noun
• pleaser
  noun
• self-pleased
  adjective
• unpleasable
  adjective
• unpleased
  adjective
• well-pleased
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of please

First recorded in 1275–1325; (verb) Middle English plesen, plaisen, from Middle French plaisir, ultimately from Latin placēre “to please, seem good” ( see placid); the use of please with requests, etc., is presumably a reduction of the clause (it) please you “may it please you,” later reinforced by imperative use of intransitive please to be pleased, wish

Explanation

To please someone is to give them pleasure or to make them happy. This is also a word for polite requests like, "Could you please pass the milk?" Have you ever been asked "What's the magic word"? It's please, a small word that makes any request more polite. Saying please is sure to please just about everyone, although different things please different people. Turning in your homework on time will please your teachers, while a good belly rub and some extra treats will please your dog.

Example Sentences

So, please try to separate the art from the artist,” Jost said.

From Salon • May 17, 2026

Nothing would please him more than turning the handshake into a collaboration down the line.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

You can’t please all of the people all of the time, whether they are readers of this column or your own family.

From MarketWatch • May 12, 2026

If Knicks fans need me to stand in a public square and pummel me with rotten vegetables, please name the square and vegetable.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

“Well, if you see Jakob, please tell him I’m looking for him. It’s urgent.”

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

Related Words

• amuse
• charm
• cheer
• entertain
• gratify
• satisfy
• tickle
• wow